National Mulligan Day

Categories:: Fun
Tags:: Activities
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October 17
Holiday emoji:: ⛳

National Mulligan Day arrives every October 17, offering a universally appreciated opportunity for a do-over. Originally a golf term for a free re-shot, this day encourages everyone to apply the spirit of a ‘mulligan’ to any aspect of life. Take a breath, learn from a misstep, and embrace the chance to try again with renewed determination.

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FAQs
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Expected National Mulligan Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Mulligan Day often inspires brands to offer ‘second chance’ deals or golf-related promotions. Look for discounts on golf rounds at local courses like Topgolf or PGA Tour Superstore, or special offers from sports retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods. Tech companies like Garmin might feature deals on golf GPS watches, while apparel brands such as Callaway or Adidas Golf could offer sales on their latest collections. Even food and beverage brands might run ‘buy one, get one free’ or ‘second item at a discount’ promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Mulligan Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalMulliganDay. Share a photo or Reel of a ‘do-over’ moment in your life, whether it’s a golf shot or a baking mishap.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalMulliganDay. Create a short video showing a funny ‘mulligan’ moment and how you’d take a second shot at it, with a positive spin.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalMulliganDay. Tweet about a time you wished for a mulligan and what you learned from it, or share a positive message about second chances.

National Mulligan Day Hero

David B. Mulligan

David B. Mulligan, a Canadian hotelier and amateur golfer, is widely credited with coining the term 'mulligan' in the 1920s. Legend has it that after a particularly bad tee shot during a round at the St. Lambert Country Club near Montreal, he re-teed and took a second shot, calling it a 'mulligan' after himself. This informal 'do-over' quickly caught on among his golfing companions and eventually spread throughout the sport, embodying the spirit of a second chance.

National Mulligan Day timeline

1793

Mulligan theory #3

Yet another version of the truth about the origin of the term “mulligan” states that it comes from Thomas Mulligan, a minor Anglo-Irish aristocrat and passionate golfer.

1920s

Mulligan theory #2

David Bernard Mulligan, a Canadian golfer and one-time manager of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, would often ask for a second shot off the first tee, coining the term “mulligan."

1930s

Mulligan theory #1

Some golf historians give credit to John A. “Buddy” Mulligan, a locker room attendant at
Essex Fells C.C., New Jersey for the word.

1940s

The USGA approves

The United States Golf Association claims that the term first achieved widespread use.

July 1985

David Mulligan confirmed his reputation

In July of 1985, journalist Don Mackintosh interviewed David Mulligan for a column, “Around the Sport Circuit," where David confirmed stories about his “additional shots."

National Mulligan Day FAQs

When is National Mulligan Day?

National Mulligan Day 2026 falls on Saturday, October 17. It’s the perfect weekend opportunity to embrace a ‘do-over’ in any aspect of your life, from a tricky golf shot to a forgotten task.

What is the origin of the term 'mulligan'?

The term ‘mulligan’ is widely believed to have originated in the 1920s with Canadian golfer David B. Mulligan, who would take a ‘do-over’ shot after a poor drive during friendly games. This informal practice quickly gained popularity and became a recognized, albeit unofficial, part of golf etiquette.

How many people play golf in the U.S.?

According to the National Golf Foundation, over 41 million Americans engaged with golf in 2025, including on-course play and off-course activities like simulators and driving ranges. This broad participation highlights the sport’s enduring appeal.

Is a mulligan allowed in official golf rules?

No, a mulligan is not permitted under the official Rules of Golf as established by the USGA and R&A. It is an informal practice, typically used in casual or friendly rounds, where players agree to allow a re-shot without penalty.

National Mulligan Day Activities

Play a round of "mulligan" golf
The term “mulligan” is originally associated with golf, so why not use it on a course. Gather up some friends, have some laughs, and enjoy a round of golf where you only keep score with the shots you like.
Have a leftover party
Enjoy round two of your previous meals and taste just how good a “second helping” can be.
Try something new, and master it
Though it may take some time to master, think about how amazed friends will be when you can show off your new skill in public.

5 Inspiring Second Chance Quotes

David Millar (professional cyclist)
“People for make mistakes and I think they should be punished. But they should also be forgiven and given the opportunity for a second chance. We are human beings.”
Pete Rose (retired professional baseball player)
“If someone is gracious to give me a second chance, I won’t need a third.”
Dave Wilson (author)
"Sometimes life gives you a second chance, or even two! Not always, but sometimes. It's what you do with those second chances that counts."
Marc Platt (producer)
“When a writer gets a second chance to look back on something, it’s a great opportunity to say, ‘Hey, this is really good, but we can do it even better.’”
Tia Mowry (actress)
“Having a second chance makes you want to work even harder.”

Why We Love National Mulligan Day

Second chances are for everyone
Although we all want to get things right on our first attempt, immediate success is rare. Embrace your human faults, and rather than admit failure, take a deep breath and try again to get it right.
Everyone does it
Realistically, we not only need more than one try to achieve our goals, we often surpass them with practice. No one, ever, has done everything in their lives perfectly on their first try. So don’t fret: The “try, try again” club is a big one.
It’s a sign of friendship
A mulligan, more than anything, is accepted cheating. Mulligans are not secretive or sneaky. They're a blatant disregard for the rules that a competitor happily ignores — with the understanding that they may ask for the same kindness later.